Cheap Panda 30 Head

[tris70uk]

Hi All

Just as much a question as a want really.  Can't justify a big outlay for an engine not running yet,  but how much are people paying for panda 30 heads these days and is there a good source anyone knows about?

Thanks

Jon )

[Rusty's Uncle]

The Fiat Panda 30 cylinder heads are a bit of a finite resource as to my knowledge there is no such thing as a new one. Just to make things worse the word on the street is that there is a 500 racing formula on the continent that permits the use of the Panda 30 head so when they do turn up they get snapped up pdq. Having said that they do keep turning up from time to time but although they are more robust than the standard 126 head in some ways they are also prone to cracking in the combustion chambers and sometimes have been heavily skimmed. So you might have to be a little careful about what you buy as you may need to have some expensive work done. I recently heard about a guy who bought 3 at what seemed like a bargain 3 figure sum and they all turned out to be scrap. Then of course if you do get one you will have to get the appropriate tinware or modify tinware or head, push rod tubes, inlet manifold and carb. If I have not put you off yet then I would say that you might find one needing work at around £150 then upwards from there. The last one I sold was a used but totally original condition with no damage head for £300 which was about the same as I paid for it. 

[tris70uk]

Cheers Rusty.  If I found one for 150 would definitely go for it, just not willing to pay 3-400 for a second hand knackered head.

Not concerned about the tinware etc,  not problem to modify it.

Jon

[Rusty's Uncle]

Hi Jon , no problem mate. I did not mention that if you are a bit handy and have the facilities or the connections to get specialist work done then one man's scrap is another man's opportunity . I agree with you that to modify the tinware would not be a major problem. Many people have cut down the head to suit the 500/126 tinware and it seems to work ok but I wonder if it is best to retain the original casting for the bulk of metal and cooling. I do have two Panda 30 heads here if you need any details or pics and I know of one other guy on this forum who has two 

[thepuddlejumper]

Hi, I cut the head down to fit the 500 tinware in my Gamine. Return trip to Italy with no problems.  The cracks between the valve seats can be repaired, theses cracks are a typical problem. I know of a cracked head being used with no problems or loss of compression, I suppose it depends on how deep the crack goes.

Ralph